We have spent so much time fearing the 404 page

We’ve neglected what a great opportunity this can present. A well optimized website certainly limits the number of times a (potential) customer may stumble upon that dreaded 404 error. However, if someone does land on this page let’s use it to our advantage and help them navigate their way. Wait have I lost you already? I should probably start with what a 404 page is. What is a custom 404 What is a 404-error page? And why should it matter to you, even if your website is practically perfect? The simple fact is that 404s happen on every site: links go bad over time, products get removed, content gets deleted, or there may be changes in permalink structure.

If a page that is needed can’t be found

The site defaults to an “error page” or “page not found” page. This is also known as a 404 page as 404 error is the standardized HTTP status code. This page indicates that the user reached the domain they requested, but the URL path provided no information. Here’s a list of possible reasons for the 404 error: Mistyped URL Copy-and-paste error Broken link Truncated link Moved content. Deleted content. Broken internal link. Outdated search engine link TIPS! When relaunching a site make sure you check the redirects. Check analytics to see why people are landing on your 404 page. As you can see, there are many ways a web user can land on your 404-error page and not all of them have to do with something you can control.

Many websites contain

Instead of fearing this nearly unavoidable part of your website, put some thought into your 404-page by flexing your creative muscles. Many websites contain 404 error pages that include nothing more than the actual numerical indication your web user has landed somewhere they did not intend. Others may have an “oops”, and that’s it – which, in of itself, is the biggest oopsie of all. Instead of leaving this page unbranded and your audiences unaffected by its existence (except for moderate annoyance), transform your 404-error page into something emotive, informative, or just plain awesome. Custom 404 error pages give you another platform to showcase your personality.